IT is often easy for one to pontificate on their grand plans to change the world, but almost always difficult for them to actually do it, once given an opportunity. Take for example, the US Republication Party, which, now that they control the House of Representatives, are finding it arduous to actually get something meaningful done, since they can no longer hide behind the curtain criticizing the Democrats, but are actually in a position where they have no choice but to perform. Of the AFC’s many lofty plans outlined at the launch of the party’s election campaign, I will examine their proposal to introduce, as reported by the Stabroek News, ‘ethnic impact studies’.
According to the report, ‘ethnic impact studies’ will be geared towards ensuring that every Guyanese has the right to access opportunities and contribute to nation-building.  Taken by itself, this is commendable and would be an aspiration of any political party seeking office. However, here is where logic and common sense break down. The report further stated that the AFC will conduct these audits ‘for all important cabinet decisions and all new major programmes within government departments’.  Is the AFC therefore saying that before anything important gets done under their stewardship, these ‘ethnic impact studies’ will be conducted? If so, how long exactly will the AFC take to build a bridge or school? Are we to believe that before an AFC government gets anything done they will be conducting studies?
The AFC also failed to outline, as is the case with their other lofty ideas, the details of how this would be done, by whom, and using what criteria. This is a classic example of nice-sounding ideas which are really shallow and impractical at best.
At this rate, an AFC government will halt the development and progress of this country while conducting ‘studies’ nationwide. Guyanese need and deserve a competent and proactive government, not a bunch of guys running around conducting endless studies while Rome burns.